Cougar Men Claim Highest Ranking in History

COLUMBIA -- The Cougar men's basketball team, off to the best start in program history at 16-0, moved up four spots to No. 2 in the latest NAIA Top 25 poll released Tuesday by the national office. Columbia received four of eleven first-place votes and 265 points overall in the poll, finishing just behind top-ranked Cumberlands (Ky.) University. The Patriots hold the No. 1 position for the second time in school history and moved up one spot from the previous poll back on December 11, 2012.

The No. 2 ranking is the highest in program history for the Cougars and the first time they have appeared in the top five since the 2004 season. Columbia is one of two undefeated teams left this season.

Lewis-Clark State (Idaho) College moved up eight spots to No. 3 and are the other undefeated squad with an 18-0 record. Oklahoma Baptist University, previously ranked No. 1, and Pikeville (Ky.) College rounded out the top five.

Columbia is off to a 2-0 start in the American Midwest Conference (AMC) with wins over William Baptist (Ark.) College and Park (Mo.) University. The Cougars will take on Benedictine University of Springfield (Ill.) on Thursday, January 10th. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the Arena of Southwell Complex.